WASHINGTON – Becoming sick or injured while on vacation can become expensive for those who need medical attention, but there are ways travelers can prepare.

For domestic trips, travelers should research in-network providers at their destinations before they go. This way, vacationers have a list of practitioners covered by their insurance ahead of time.

The insurance company’s website will list in-network doctors, or the insured can call the toll-free number on the back of the insurance card.

Some insurance providers even have smartphone apps, according to The Miami Herald. United Healthcare, for example, offers Health4Me.

Overseas travel can be tricky because many insurances and Medicare don’t cover outside the U.S. Travelers should consider purchasing short-term insurance policies in case of emergencies.

And, of course, remember daily medications and sunscreen.

WTOP’s Veronica Robinson contributed to this report. Follow Veronica and WTOP on Twitter.

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